Washington, DC, September 26, 2025 – The Europe Today: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Thursday stated that Ankara and Washington are undergoing a “different process” in their bilateral relations during the presidency of his U.S. counterpart, Donald Trump.
Speaking alongside President Trump during an Oval Office visit, Erdogan said, “We are experiencing a different process in Turkish-American relations, during both the first and second terms of Mr. Trump.”
The Turkish leader expressed his pleasure at visiting Washington this week, following his participation in the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. He arrived in the U.S. capital on Wednesday after addressing the General Assembly and holding discussions with several other world leaders.
During his visit, Erdogan noted that he would engage in detailed talks with President Trump regarding the sale of F-16 and F-35 fighter jets to Türkiye, as well as issues concerning the Turkish lender Halkbank.
Addressing questions about the Greek Orthodox Seminary in Heybeliada, Istanbul, Erdogan stated that Türkiye is “ready to do whatever is necessary” regarding the currently unused facility. He added, “Upon my return, I will have the opportunity to discuss this matter with Mr. Bartholomeos,” referring to Istanbul’s Fener Greek Orthodox Patriarch Bartholomew.
When asked about his earlier remarks that Trump is “making efforts for peace” and how the two countries can cooperate in the future, Erdogan said, “I say this because I believe it. I believe that together, hand in hand, we will overcome these challenges in the region.”
The meeting between the two leaders continued with a working lunch at the White House.
